Does anyone know if there was ever an affiliation between the White Sox and the now defunct Iowa Oaks? They played at Des Moines' Sec Taylor Stadium (also on the south side) until the lates 70's early 80's. I won't even mention which AAA team (ryhmes with scrubs) now plays there (shudder).

As a kid growing up in Central Iowa, I remember going to a game or two but have no clue if they were affiliated with a major league club or independent. I came across some photos on line at http://www.chicago-baseball-photos.com of some Sox players from '76 and '77 when they were with the Oaks and was curious if there was an organizational history.

If so, this could explain my affinity for the Chicago White Sox.

Thanks

MisterB

01-17-2005, 07:35 PM

Question...

Does anyone know if there was ever an affiliation between the White Sox and the now defunct Iowa Oaks? They played at Des Moines' Sec Taylor Stadium (also on the south side) until the lates 70's early 80's. I won't even mention which AAA team (ryhmes with scrubs) now plays there (shudder).

As a kid growing up in Central Iowa, I remember going to a game or two but have no clue if they were affiliated with a major league club or independent. I came across some photos on line at http://www.chicago-baseball-photos.com of some Sox players from '76 and '77 when they were with the Oaks and was curious if there was an organizational history.

If so, this could explain my affinity for the Chicago White Sox.

Thanks

The Iowa Oaks were the Sox AAA affiliate throughout the 70's. (from '69-'81 I believe)

jortafan

01-17-2005, 07:45 PM

This is all the more reason to look down upon Des Moines as a city. What kind of people with any sense would willingly give up White Sox ties to become a Cubs affiliate?

Daver

01-17-2005, 07:47 PM

This is all the more reason to look down upon Des Moines as a city. What kind of people with any sense would willingly give up White Sox ties to become a Cubs affiliate?

IIRC the Sox ended the affiliation.

farmzoid

01-17-2005, 09:52 PM

Thanks for the information. Hmmm, I wonder if I ever saw LaMarr Hoyt pitch?

I’m sure this has been discussed at length, but having a farm team less than 400 miles West on I-80 could do much for building a regional fan base. Iowa could be retaken as White Sox country!

It’s a shame Des Moines/Central Iowa fell prey to the cute and cuddly swarm. I have to believe that my Iowa brethren were innocents in the Sox misguided decision to leave town. Although I’m sure the Sox had good reason to go, this is just another example of the opportunistic Chicago NL team taking advantage of a Sox throw away.

Does anyone know if there was ever an affiliation between the White Sox and the now defunct Iowa Oaks? They played at Des Moines' Sec Taylor Stadium (also on the south side) until the lates 70's early 80's. I won't even mention which AAA team (ryhmes with scrubs) now plays there (shudder).

Thanks

I went to school in Des Moines from 9/1977 - 5/1979, and yes, the Iowa Oaks were affiliated with the White Sox during that time. I always regret that I had neither the money, time, or car to get to Sec Taylor before heading back to the suburbs of Chicago for the summer to see a game, but I did keep up on the team in the papers. IIRC, Mike Squires was one of the bigger names then.

As mentioned earlier, the Sox have moved around plenty, at least with their AAA affiliate, over the last 20+ years. They've been in Hawaii, Vancouver, Des Moines, and probably a few more that I've forgotten, before landing in Charlotte. I'll have to check out my minor league card collection now.:D:

SMO

farmzoid

01-17-2005, 10:35 PM

Holy dog crap! You just blew my mind. Ordering immediately.

Everything is so much clearer now. Thank you.

doublem23

01-18-2005, 12:26 AM

Their AAA affiliate was in Nashville right before Charlotte, IIRC.

WinningUgly!

01-18-2005, 01:10 AM

Their AAA affiliate was in Nashville right before Charlotte, IIRC.

Yep, 1993-97. It seems like that's where Rodney McCray ran through the wooden outfield fence.

MisterB

01-18-2005, 09:47 AM

Yep, 1993-97. It seems like that's where Rodney McCray ran through the wooden outfield fence.

Actually McCray did that while playing for the Vancouver Canadians (the Sox AAA team before Nashville and after Iowa) in 1991.

WinningUgly!

01-18-2005, 02:08 PM

Actually McCray did that while playing for the Vancouver Canadians (the Sox AAA team before Nashville and after Iowa) in 1991.

I knew that...I was just testing you. :redface:

Clembasbal

01-18-2005, 09:52 PM

Just ordered an Iowa Oaks sox shirt, it was sweet and it shows that at one time Iowians used to love the Sox. Good thing we left that State.

Clembasbal

01-18-2005, 10:33 PM

Just wondering some things.

I was trying to do some research, but I just haven't mastered the search engine thing yet.

Anyway, I know that the Sox were the Iowa Oaks Oaks, the Vancouver Canadians, and the Nashville Sounds...I was wondering what other teams were we.

And if will take somebody too long to find, a link would be perfect.

Also, other than that great website for retro t-shirts, is there anywhere else I could buy old school White Sox Minor League affliate shirts? Link?

Thanks guys!

StillMissOzzie

01-18-2005, 11:01 PM

Just wondering some things.
Anyway, I know that the Sox were the Iowa Oaks Oaks, the Vancouver Canadians, and the Nashville Sounds...I was wondering what other teams were we.

Thanks guys!

IIRC, the Sox had an AAA affiliate in Hawaii in the early 80's

SMO
:gulp:

NonetheLoaiza

01-19-2005, 06:58 PM

IIRC, the Sox had an AAA affiliate in Hawaii in the early 80's

SMO
:gulp:

Wow, I wouldn't mind being a career minor leaguer there...

MUsoxfan

01-19-2005, 07:28 PM

Wow, I wouldn't mind being a career minor leaguer there...

I would. That's alot of time flying. That's why I'm not jealous of any athletes that play college ball in Hawaii

TDog

01-28-2005, 06:50 PM

I.. Hawaii, Vancouver, Des Moines, and probably a few more that I've forgotten, before landing in Charlotte. ...

You left out two once-proud teams, the Tucson Toros, where the Sox AAA affiliation began the '70s and the Edmonton Trappers, where Ron Kittle had a 50-home run season in 1982.

The Toros played in Hi Corbett, which is now only used for Rockies Spring Training and community events. The Sidewinders play in Tucson Electric Park.

The Trappers were sold after last season and replaced by a Northern League team.

MikeW

01-29-2005, 09:49 PM

Off the top of my head there were the Indianapolis Indians,Hawaii Islanders,Buffalo Bisons,Calgary Cannons,Denver Bears,Tuscon Toros and Evansville Tripplets. I am probably forgetting a few. Hope this helps.

dmac

08-30-2005, 12:17 PM

Question...

Does anyone know if there was ever an affiliation between the White Sox and the now defunct Iowa Oaks? They played at Des Moines' Sec Taylor Stadium (also on the south side) until the lates 70's early 80's. I won't even mention which AAA team (ryhmes with scrubs) now plays there (shudder).

As a kid growing up in Central Iowa, I remember going to a game or two but have no clue if they were affiliated with a major league club or independent. I came across some photos on line at http://www.chicago-baseball-photos.com (http://www.chicago-baseball-photos.com/) of some Sox players from '76 and '77 when they were with the Oaks and was curious if there was an organizational history.

If so, this could explain my affinity for the Chicago White Sox.

Thanks

I found this on the web and it sounds pretty accurate:

Triple-A baseball came to Iowa's capital city in 1969, as the Iowa Oaks of the American Association (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Association_%2820th_century%29) began play. The Oaks were affiliates of the Oakland Athletics (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakland_Athletics) (1969-73), the Chicago White Sox (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_White_Sox) (1973-74 and 1976-80), and the Houston Astros (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Astros) (1975). In 1981 the team affiliated with the Chicago Cubs...

BigEdWalsh

08-30-2005, 01:17 PM

If I'm correct the White Sox had AAA affiliates in Indianapolis, Hawaii, Denver and Buffalo. Also in the Midwest League as far as Iowa is concerned the Sox had teams in Clinton, Dubuque and Burlington.

Soxheads

09-01-2005, 01:31 PM

If I'm correct the White Sox had AAA affiliates in Indianapolis, Hawaii, Denver and Buffalo. Also in the Midwest League as far as Iowa is concerned the Sox had teams in Clinton, Dubuque and Burlington.

I'd kill for the Sox to have a low-A team in Cedar Rapids, but I know the Sox like having all the affiliates (sans GF) packed together.